What to expect from sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry combines modern dental techniques with medications that relax you, control pain, and make you sleepy, so people who are scared of the dentist can receive care comfortably.
Conscious (“twilight”) sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed state.
Your free consultation
At the consultation visit, we review your medical and dental histories. Together, we determine your oral health goals and the level of sedation needed to reach them. We also review your X-rays together to identify any major or obvious issues. If you don’t have recent X-rays, we’ll take a complimentary panoramic X-ray at this visit.
I hadn’t had any dental work done for a few years, and it really helped me. With sedation, I was able to have a lot of work done in one appointment without remembering the experience. I would definitely do it again.
Conscious (“twilight”) sedation
Sedation also helps people who aren’t normally afraid of the dentist but need a lot of work, or procedures that would otherwise be uncomfortable.
Depending on your needs, you’ll be offered oral, intravenous (IV), or both options for your procedure. The form of sedation we offer is conscious sedation, the same “twilight” sedation most people experience during minor surgical and diagnostic procedures. Its use in dentistry has an excellent safety record, and most people who can undergo routine dental care can also receive conscious sedation very safely.
Oral sedation
Best for longer and restorative appointments that are expected to be no more than moderately invasive or uncomfortable. Sedative and antihistamine pills are taken about 1 hour before your appointment, and you’ll usually feel the effects within 45 minutes.
- Lower cost
- Easy to take, with no needle to start
The medication is absorbed through the intestines, which can make it less predictable. For shorter appointments the sedation may last longer than the visit, so you may need to stay a little longer for observation before going home.
IV sedation
The most predictable form of sedation. Best for more invasive procedures such as surgery, extractions, implant surgery, gum surgery, and root canal therapy. A small catheter is placed in a vein in the arm or leg, and medication goes directly into the bloodstream. Effects are felt in less than a minute.
- Adjusted until you reach exactly the right level
- Kept consistent for the whole appointment
- Reversal medications can be given quickly if ever needed
IV sedation costs more, reflecting the expertise, equipment, medications, and training required to provide it safely.
For both at a glance, see oral and IV sedation, side by side, or our article to compare oral and IV sedation.
Treatment day
You rest comfortably while we work, and your vital signs are monitored closely throughout. With oral sedation, you take your medication about an hour before your appointment; with IV sedation, the medication goes in through a small catheter and is adjusted as we go. You stay conscious and breathe on your own while deeply relaxed.
Afterwards
Most patients remember very little afterwards. You rest until the sedation wears off, then go home with a responsible adult who drives you. Most people feel groggy for several hours and are back to normal by the next day.
Not ready to call? Print the sedation visit checklist
Is sedation right for everyone?
Sedation dentistry isn’t for everybody, and your medical history may rule it out. We’ll go over this carefully at your consultation.
Cost & payment
There is a separate sedation fee for every form of sedation we offer. We’re proud to offer it at a much lower cost than other anesthesia providers charge. We aren’t a Medicaid provider, but we do offer third-party payment plans.
- Consultation
- Free consultation
- X-rays
- Complimentary panoramic X-ray if you need one
- Sedation fee
- A separate sedation fee, typically much lower than what other anesthesia providers charge
- Paying
- Third-party payment plan options
- Medicaid
- Not a Medicaid provider
Start with a free consultation
Patients curious about sedation dentistry options can schedule a free consultation to discuss their concerns, learn about available sedatives, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Request a free consultationFree consultationPrefer to talk?Call 630-361-0488Experience you can trust
We treat hundreds of sedation cases per year, more than most dentists treat in their entire career. With thousands of sedation procedures performed, you can rest assured you’ll be cared for in a compassionate and competent manner.
Sources
- Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by DentistsAmerican Dental Association
- AnesthesiaMedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Anesthesia and SedationMouthHealthy, American Dental Association
Questions about your visit? Let’s talk.
For many people, the hardest part is simply making the first phone call. Call us or send a request for a free consultation.
- Free consultation
- Complimentary panoramic X-ray if needed
- Payment plan options